Educator & Counselor Resources

Educators and school counselors play a vital role in helping connect students with career learning and life readiness. Get your school involved and help students become aware of the career learning opportunities available in the District with the resources and organizations listed below.

About Career & Technical Education (CTE)

  • Learn more about how Career & Technical Education (CTE) prepares learners for their futures while closing the skills gap for employers across the country in this CTE 101 video from Advance CTE.
  • Resources to Engage Families & Learners
  • Advance CTE Fact Sheets
  • Advance CTE Resource Center
  • Explore the State Plan for CTE which provides the vision and framework for secondary and postsecondary CTE programming, funding, and accountability for schools throughout the District of Columbia.

Associations

Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)

College Preparation

  • Learn more about DC CTE postsecondary opportunities here.
  • College Conversations is an invite-only non-traditional college fair created to address the issue of student “undermatching” at the postsecondary level.
  • DC College Application and Exploration Month builds excitement and enthusiasm around the college application and exploration process and provides every graduating senior with the opportunity to complete their college applications during normal school hours with the help of volunteers.
  • DC Decision Day is held on or around May 1st each year to recognize high school seniors for their postsecondary education plans and encourage younger students and families to prepare early for postsecondary education.
  • Why Apply DC Day is held each fall to help celebrate the college application season and encourage District students as they complete the college and postsecondary education application process.

Community Based CTE Organizations

  • Attain DC connects DC’s non-traditional students to colleges and job training programs.
  • The DC American Job Center system partners with a variety of governmental, educational and community-based entities that help customers find employment or become “job-ready.”
  • The DC Department of Employment Services Office of Youth Programs (OYP) develops and administers workforce development programs for District youth ages 14-24. OYP provides occupational skills training, work experience, academic enrichment and life skills training to facilitate the development of work habits and skills that are essential for success in the workplace.
  • Public Allies is a national organization that connects youth to allies to develop the next generation of diverse leaders for a just and equitable society.
  • Year Up works to close the Opportunity Divide by ensuring that young adults gain the skills, experiences, and support that will empower them to reach their potential through careers and higher education.

CTE/Graduation Requirements Course Equivalency

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), Office of Career and Technical Education (CTE), has issued technical guidance for local education agencies (LEAs) interested in allowing Perkins-funded CTE courses to meet high school graduation requirements and corresponding Carnegie Units. See the guide here.

Diversity, Equity, Access & Inclusion

  • DC CTE supports schools with strategies to close the equity gaps among special population students in the District who are enrolled in CTE programs. Please visit our DEAI page to access program information, resources, and learning opportunities related to these topics.

Dual Enrollment & Articulated Credit

Industry Recognized Credentials

  • Find information about prerequisite courses, the certifying entity, certification exam information and more for the Industry Recognized Credentials (IRC) offered by DC CTE on our IRC page and by exploring the IRC one-pagers.

Middle School CTE

Post-Secondary Financing Options

  • FAFSA support
  • Learn about the DC Futures, DCTAG, and Mayor’s Scholars programs here.

Programs of Study & Career Exploration

Standards

Find course sequences, standards, and other details for every DC CTE Programs of Study here.

Work-Based Learning

  • CareerWise DC is an initiative created by CityWorks DC created to reshape the education-to-employment pathways by partnering with local businesses to offer apprenticeships to students in Washington, D.C.
  • DC Infrastructure Academy (DCIA) meets the need for skilled infrastructure professionals in Washington, DC by coordinating, training, screening, and recruiting residents to fulfill the needs of the infrastructure industry and infrastructure jobs with leading companies in this high-demand field. DCIA is located in the Anacostia neighborhood in Ward 8.
  • NAF ignites students’ passion for learning and gives businesses the opportunity to shape America’s future workforce by transforming the learning environment to include STEM infused industry-specific curricula and work-based learning experiences, including internships.
  • The United States Senate Youth Program is a unique and annual educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service and experiencing their national government in action.
  • Urban Alliance connects high school students to equitable, inclusive careers through paid work experiences, mentorship, and professional development. Urban Alliance works with schools and employers to address systemic barriers to economic mobility for young adults of color and to bridge the gaps between education and workforce development for all young people.

Grow your skills with CTE professional development and professional associations.